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Monday, January 23, 2017

Liberty University To Back Byron At JRM

JR Motorsports announced today
that Liberty University will sponsor William Byron in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
in 2017. Byron, who unveiled the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro
during a Facebook Live stream, will drive the car in 17 of 33 events this
season, beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Byron, a native of Charlotte,
N.C., is coming off a rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
where he posted a rookie-record seven wins, 11 Top-5 and 16 Top-10
finishes. The 19-year-old also claimed Rookie of the Year honors and
qualified for the inaugural NCWTS Chase.

“Welcoming back William and
reuniting with Liberty University, it feels like a homecoming for us,” said
Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “It’s
remarkable to see how quickly William has advanced his talent since he drove
for our Late Model team. With the support from Liberty, we have a strong
platform for him to have success at the Xfinity level.”

Founded in 1971, Liberty
University is distinguished as the largest university in Virginia, and the
largest Christian university in the world. Liberty University was a
previous partner with JRM during Byron’s Late Model career with the team in
2014 and 2015.

“We here at Liberty have
watched William grow, as a racer, as a student, and as a young champion for
Christ,” said Jerry Falwell, Liberty University chancellor. “We are proud
of his achievements and are eager to see him continue to reach new heights.”

Along with the sponsorship
news, it was also announced Dave Elenz will serve as crew chief for Byron and
the No. 9 Liberty University team in 2017. Elenz, a 35-year-old native of
Gaylord, Mich., transitions from a two-year stint as crew chief of JRM’s No. 88
entry. He guided the team to four victories with drivers Dale Earnhardt
Jr., Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick.

“It’s a privilege to have
Liberty University on board with us in 2017,” said Byron, a Liberty University
freshman taking online classes. “I’ve been honored to have had them as a
partner the last few years, and I’m excited to take them into the NASCAR
Xfinity Series this season.

“I’m also looking forward to
working with Dave [Elenz, crew chief]. He brings a lot to the table in
terms of experience and leadership in this series. That will go a long
way in helping our No. 9 team on the track this year.”

A schedule of the 2017 races
with Liberty University as primary sponsor will be announced at a later date,
as will additional partners for Byron and the No. 9 team. Apart from its
primary races, Liberty University will receive associate placement in the
remaining 16 events.